The Drucker Lectures: Essential Lessons on Management, Society and Economy

29Managing the Nonprofit Organization2001

The emergence of the social sector, the independent sector, whatever you want to call it, is a very recent phenomenon. And it is very different from the traditional charity. Their aim was to relieve suffering, and it was good for the soul of the giver. Nobody had the slightest illusions that it would make a lasting difference to the recipient.

Then, beginning some 135 years ago, the idea emerged that philanthropy should have results, should make a difference, and should result in a changed human being or changed community. Let me emphasize that the old need is still there. If you look at the Salvation Army soup kitchen, it is there to feed the needy. Yes, the Salvation Army is also very busy trying to ...